Latisse's Long Lash Effect

Photo courtesy of Latisse

LONGER, FULLER, DARKER EYELASHES! For years, cosmetic brands from L’Oréal Paris to Dior have boasted their over-the-counter mascara that can give you false-looking eyelashes without the struggle or mess. Now, Latisse (bimatopost ophthalmic solution), the first FDA-approved topical product for “inadequate” eyelashes, is promising to surpass previous beauty industry claims by simulating natural eyelash growth.

You may have first heard of Latisse from Brooke Shields, a former model. She has appeared in television ads talking about Latisse and the great results she experienced. Below are a few key points to know before consulting your doctor about the product.

Origin

Latisse was introduced after researchers discovered that its main ingredient, bimatopost, was causing consistent eyelash growth in glaucoma patients using Lumigan (bimatopost ophthalmic solution), a prescription eye drop regimen, in their treatment plan. Latisse has been labeled an effective treatment for eyelash hypotrichosis, having lower than average length, thickness and/or number of eyelashes.

Application

Latisse should be applied once daily in the evening or as instructed by your medical provider. Wash your face to remove any makeup on or around your eyes prior to application. You can still use Latisse if you regularly wear contact lenses; just make sure to remove them to apply the Latisse. They may be reinserted 15 minutes afterward.

Latisse is a clear liquid to be applied only to your top eyelid at the base of your lashes. It should not be applied to the lower lash area. Only a very small amount is needed per application, around one drop.

You do not need to rinse your eyes if the medication touches them, unless you experience an allergic reaction, in which case you should contact your medical provider. An allergic reaction occurring is unlikely because Latisse contains the same basic ingredients approved for use in glaucoma medication.

While eyelash growth will last as long as you use the medicine, it is not permanent. If you stop using Latisse, expect eyelash growth and appearance to return to its normal state.

Results

Latisse’s website provides a gallery of before and after pictures of women who saw positive results with the product. View the gallery here. 

You should expect to see increased length around week four and full results by week 16.

In clinical trials, close to 80 percent of users saw longer, fuller and/or darker lashes from using Latisse.  Approximately 25 percent saw longer lashes, 100 percent saw fuller lashes and 20 percent saw darker lashes.

Potential Side Effects

Like most other medications, there are potential side effects associated with the use of Latisse.

Redness, dryness, itching or discomfort in or around the eye may occur. If these side effects continue or worsen, consult your medical provider.

You may experience darkening of the skin around your eye, inside your iris, the colored area around your pupil, if you use Latisse constantly over time. Skin discoloration is likely to fade after stopping the use of Latisse, but a change in iris color is likely permanent.

In extreme cases, Latisse could cause eye pain, eye infection or rapid vision changes, Stop the use of the product if these side effects occur and contact your medical provider immediately.

Purchasing Latisse

There has been debate over the validity of physician offices and cosmetic studios that have sold Latisse online. Although there are ways to purchase this product without a doctor consultation, I always recommend seeing a doctor to discuss the pros and cons of this product. And I highly recommend an eye exam first to determine if you are at risk for any ocular complications when using Latisse.

The FDA requires that a prescription must be written for the sale of this drug because of the potential harmful side effects. You should keep this in mind when considering how to purchase this medicine.

Be honest with your medical provider about your medical history when discussing Latisse, especially if you have eye pressure problems or other eye problems such as macular edema, iritis, uveitis or lens extraction/alphakia. The potential benefits of Latisse do not outweigh the potential risks if your vision is in jeopardy.

If you have any additional questions or concerns about using Latisse, please leave a comment below or click here to schedule an appointment with Advanced Dermatology!